Sydney Thunder overcame a debutant's costly error and a Shaun Marsh masterclass to post a six-wicket BBL victory over the Perth Scorchers on Thursday night.
In reply to Perth's 4-181, the Thunder reached the victory target with four balls to spare at Optus Stadium.
Callum Ferguson (113no off 53 balls) led the run chase to perfection in a match-winning display, while debutant wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes (51 off 38) was also critical.
Ferguson cracked eight fours and eight sixes in his devastating knock, reaching his century in 48 balls.
But it was the contribution of Gilkes that carried the most intrigue following the 19-year-old's horror mistake with the gloves.
Gilkes dropped Marsh in the first over of the Scorchers' innings when the opener was yet to score.
What should have been a regulation head-high catch became a double fumble that eventually hit the turf.
Marsh made Gilkes pay dearly, scoring an unbeaten 96 off 55 balls in a knock that featured five fours and five sixes.
The 35-year-old was also dropped on 19 when Daniel Sams grassed a simple catch at deep mid-wicket.
"I had a bit of luck there and I tried to make it count," Marsh told Channel 7.
Perth have never missed the finals in the history of the BBL.
But at 3-7, they'll need to win their final four games and rely on other results to fall their way if they are to keep their perfect record alive.
The Thunder moved into fourth spot with a 5-5-1 record.
Ferguson was thrilled with the team's win, and also his own batting display.
"As far as T20 goes, that would be my best knock," Ferguson said.
"Over here, against one of the better attacks in the comp - if not in domestic world cricket - it's really pleasing.
"The Scorchers defend so well over here. It feels like an achievement."
Sydney lost Shane Watson (eight off 14) early in their run chase, but Ferguson pummelled Perth's talented attack to all parts of the ground to set up the win.
And Gilkes shook off his error with the gloves to join in on the fun, combining with Ferguson for a match-winning 120-run stand after surprisingly being chosen to open.
"I was a bit down in the dumps," Gilkes said of the dropped catch.
Australian Associated Press
